About the Song
Ah, take yourself back to those carefree summer days of the late 1950s. Remember transistor radios crackling out upbeat tunes on the beach, sock hops with infectious energy, and milkshakes thick enough to hold a spoon upright? That’s the exact vibe captured in the infectious “Splish Splash” by the one and only Bobby Darin.
Darin, a rising star at the time, burst onto the scene with this playful novelty song in 1958. It wasn’t your typical love ballad or rock and roll anthem. Instead, “Splish Splash” was a quirky, lighthearted tune that painted a picture of youthful innocence and summertime fun.
The story goes that the song’s origins are quite unexpected. DJ Murray the K (real name Murray Kaufman) playfully challenged Darin to write a song that began with the rather silly phrase, “Splish splash, I was takin’ a bath.” Darin, ever the showman, took the bet and, along with Kaufman’s mother Jean, crafted a song that became a cultural phenomenon.
Now, “Splish Splash” might seem like a simple ditty on the surface, but it perfectly captured the spirit of the age. It was a time of growing optimism, economic prosperity, and a youthful rebellion against traditional norms. Teenagers were embracing their individuality and expressing themselves through music, fashion, and dance. “Splish Splash”, with its playful lyrics and catchy rhythm, became a soundtrack to that carefree summer spirit.
So, put on your dancing shoes, crank up the volume, and get ready to take a trip down memory lane with Bobby Darin’s “Splish Splash”. It’s a song guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and a little bit of that summertime magic back into your life.
Barbara Desetto